Manoj Tiwary Suggests Sanju Samson as Potential Successor to Ruturaj Gaikwad at CSK

A Leadership Crisis at Chepauk

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has proven to be a sobering experience for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The franchise, known for its historic dominance and tactical brilliance, finds itself in a precarious position following a five-wicket defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. As the team’s playoff hopes dwindle, the spotlight has shifted from on-field performance to the future of the franchise’s leadership.

Manoj Tiwary’s Bold Recommendation

Manoj Tiwary, a former IPL champion with the Kolkata Knight Riders, has not minced his words regarding the current state of the team. In a candid assessment following the loss to SRH, Tiwary argued that it might be time for CSK to move on from Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 40-year-old former Indian batter proposed a significant change in direction by suggesting that Sanju Samson should be drafted in to lead the side in the next campaign.

Gaikwad, who inherited the mantle of leadership from the legendary MS Dhoni, has faced immense pressure. Filling the void left by a figure as iconic as Dhoni is an arduous task for any player, and Tiwary believes the weight of those expectations has hindered Gaikwad’s natural game.

The Challenge of Succeeding a Legend

Discussing the burden of the captaincy during an appearance on Cricbuzz, Tiwary noted, “One says that Gaikwad needed to fill MS Dhoni’s shoes, but the size of those shoes is very big to fill. He has to create his own legacy, and for that to happen, he has to revisit the past and see the places where improvements have to be made.” Tiwary further emphasized that a captain’s influence is often tethered to their personal form, pointing out that Gaikwad’s struggles with the bat have undermined his ability to lead with confidence.

The statistics present a difficult picture for the current skipper. While he sits second only to MS Dhoni in terms of matches captained for the franchise with 32 games, his win percentage stands at 43.75%, having secured 14 victories against 18 defeats. During the recent clash against SRH, Gaikwad’s struggle was evident, as he managed only 15 runs off 21 balls, failing to register a single boundary.

Why Sanju Samson?

Tiwary’s endorsement of Sanju Samson as a potential successor is rooted in the latter’s experience. “Samson is in the mix to be the next captain, and it will be a good choice,” Tiwary explained. “Sanju can do the job as he has already led Rajasthan before and is also a good batter.” The suggestion implies that a seasoned leader with prior captaincy experience at the IPL level could provide the stability that CSK currently lacks.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The match against Sunrisers Hyderabad highlighted the gap in execution. While Ishan Kishan’s 70 and Heinrich Klaasen’s 47 helped the visitors chase down the target with relative ease, CSK struggled to maintain control. SRH captain Pat Cummins expressed satisfaction with the victory, noting the challenging nature of the pitch, while Gaikwad remained hopeful for a better future.

Reflecting on the campaign, the CSK skipper acknowledged the shortcomings of the team. “It was a great game till the end, we lost a few home games. We were better compared to last year and hope to come back in 2027 with a stronger unit,” Gaikwad stated. However, as the franchise looks toward the 2027 season, the front office faces a defining decision: whether to persist with their current leadership project or pursue a change that could reset the team’s trajectory. The coming months promise to be a period of intense scrutiny and potential transition for the Yellow Army.